50 Plus Foundation feeds mental health patients, urges youth to shun drug abuse

President of the 50 Plus Foundation, Ms. Genevieve Kwakye, has called on Ghanaian youth to avoid drug abuse, particularly the misuse of opioids.

Her appeal follows the disturbing rise in the abuse of a popular opioid known as "wonim Red," which has triggered serious concern among health officials nationwide.

Describing the current trend as alarming, Ms. Kwakye explained that addiction to such powerful painkillers poses grave health risks, including the development of mental disorders.

She made these remarks in an interview with journalists during a donation exercise by the foundation at the Cheshire Rehabilitation Home in Dwenase on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

Ms. Kwakye stressed that the highly addictive nature of opioids, combined with the growing rate of misuse in Ghana, highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations on their importation.

She further noted that tackling drug abuse among the youth is critical to safeguarding Ghana’s future. "Avoiding abuse of drugs will save Ghana's future since the youth will not be lost to the substance," she said.

Donation to Mental Health Patients

As part of its outreach, the 50 Plus Foundation provided meals to over 50 mental health patients at the Cheshire Rehabilitation Home. The items included soft drinks, fried chicken, and loaves of sandwiched bread. The foundation also donated an undisclosed amount of money to support services at the facility.

The Director of the facility, Father Theophilus Agyeman Nyamekye, expressed gratitude to the foundation, describing the gesture as one "that comes from a good heart."

He added that beyond the nutritional value of the donation, the act of kindness would reassure patients that they are not forgotten. Father Nyamekye also appealed to other well-resourced institutions and individuals to support the center in caring for mental health patients.

Donation at Calvary Methodist Church

Earlier the same day, the foundation made a similar donation at Calvary Methodist Church in Amakom, Kumasi. Nearly 150 elderly members of the church received food items as part of the initiative.

Joining the event was renowned Kumawood actress, Portia Asare Boateng, who supported the foundation’s cause and interacted with beneficiaries.